Katie Lee

Chicago — Zaxbys™, a rapidly expanding Georgia-based QSR franchise, is making its entrance in the Chicagoland market. The brand has signed a multi-unit development agreement with a seasoned local entrepreneur to open several new restaurants across Chicago, with the first location expected to open within the next year. The operator, a Chicagoland native with nearly two decades of restaurant experience, currently owns and operates Zaxbys locations in Kansas City, Mo. The new agreement solidifies Zaxbys commitment to strategic growth in high-potential markets. “We’ve been looking to bring Zaxbys to Chicago …

Portland, Me. — Cousins Maine Lobster, the national food truck and fast‑casual dining concept beloved for its authentic Maine lobster rolls, has surpassed $1 billion in systemwide sales since its founding in 2012. Co‑founders and real-life cousins Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis celebrated the milestone. “This is an incredible moment, growing from a single food truck in Los Angeles to more than 85 units across the nation, we’ve brought the taste and spirit of Maine to diners nationwide — and built a franchise family along the way,” they said. Notable achievements: …

Cary, N.C. — Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café is making its North Carolina debut. The first location in the Tar Heel State will open in Cary next year, marking a major milestone in the brand’s continued southern expansion. The new location will open in first quarter 2026 at 1 Fenton Main St. The Cary store will mark the second opening under a landmark 15-unit development agreement between Sweet Paris and Virentes Hospitality, an investment arm of the multifamily office Virentes Partners Group. Comprised of three families of seasoned operators, Virentes …